Among the dozens of fruity rum drinks that populate Tiki bars around the globe, the Mary Pickford remains one of the simplest and most delicious. It was created for the famous actress by a bartender in Havana when she vacationed there in the 1920s with Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. It is among the International Bartenders Association official cocktails, and while it may be lost in a sea of fruit punches, Mai Tais and Zombies, the original is well worth a sampling.
Mary Pickford was born in Canada but became one of Hollywood’s leading ladies in the early years of film. She was known as “America’s Sweetheart” and appeared in dozens of movies as the feisty but demure girl-next door. In real life, she proved to be an astute businesswoman, and was a key figure among Hollywood producers and developers. She was one of the original founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and went on to win one of the coveted Oscars she helped create.
The Mary Pickford cocktail is heavy on the taste of pineapple and very sweet. That makes it deceptively easy to drink, and just like its namesake, disguises a powerful punch.
Here’s the recipe for making a genuine Mary Pickford cocktail:
Ingredients
- 45ml White Rum
- 45ml Pineapple juice
- Splash of Grenadine
- Splash of Maraschino liqueur
- Wedge of pineapple to garnish
Preparation
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add all ingredients
- Shake vigorously
- Strain into a cocktail glass
- Garnish with a wedge of pineapple
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice
- Cocktail glass
